Rainy River Relay for Life is set for this weekend

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Rainy River Relay for Life is this Friday and Saturday!
The event is a fun fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and is in its fourth year in Rainy River.
Last year they had 13 teams and raised $47,153. “We currently have ten teams signed up with over 100 participants registered,” said RR Relay for Life committee member Georgia Kreger. “We’ve seen a decrease in team numbers this year, but hope to have our numbers up again next year!”
The CCS likes to see the event grow every year and based on last year set this year’s goal of 15 teams and to raise $50,000. Even with less teams it is possible the teams may surpass that this year!
Things kick off with a Survivor Supper at the RR Covenant Church at 5 p.m.
Then the opening ceremonies are being held at Riverview School at 7 p.m. The relay then begins with cancer survivors participating in a victory lap. That is the official start of the all night relay. Teams must have someone walking the track at all times through the night.
Teams usually set up camps around the track and dress in costumes to the event’s theme. Kreger said this year’s theme is, “Decades of Hope." With the idea being each team can pick a decade past or future to represent in costume and campsite decor. Top team gets a midnight pizza party. Points are awarded for that, and also for participation in challenges, and funds raised. In the morning we give a team spirit award.”
At 9 p.m. Cuts for Cancer and Locks of Love will take place. To date there are four participating in the Locks of Love and one in Cuts for Cancer. They are: Locks: Mary Hartnell, Andrea Schram, Danielle Schram and Olivia Kreger. Cuts: Lilly Anderson.
At dusk the always moving luminary lighting ceremony will take place. Luminaries are placed around the track in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. They are available for sale at the RR Post Office or on line at www.relayforlife.ca/rainyriver. People do not have to be in the Relay to purchase these.
Spectators are welcome to come out and cheer on the teams and enjoy the events planned throughout the evening.
“Everyone can look forward to a fun-filled night. We have an exciting schedule of events planned,” said Kreger.